Super Duke R EVO 2023 – First Look

More than just a couple of nips and tucks for KTM’s big bore beast, the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO.

KTM’s headlining hyper naked, the venerable 1290 Super Duke R EVO, will get a number of improvements for the 2023 model year, mainly in the form of a diet.

The Beast, as KTM has called the Super Duke since its release in 2014, will still be powered by the 180 horsepower, 103 lb-ft of torque, 1301cc V-twin, the engine itself remaining largely unchanged for 2023, but there are a few notable exceptions to the 2022 model.

KTM’s shaved 1.7 pounds off the crankcase, which now has its motor and linkage mounts for the tubular steel chassis integrated into the design, aiding overall stiffness. The revised mounts have also resulted in a 5mm higher swingarm pivot that will also help the anti-squat properties under acceleration.

The 2022’s double-walled oil delivery line has been turfed for a single alloy unit. There’s also a new intake, airbox and air filter, and resonator chamber in the cylinder heads. Acceleration has also been enhanced by the fitment of a quick-action throttle which has resulted in a seven degree reduction in the throttle twist, similar to the unit found on many a racebike worth it’s salt.

Moving on to the tubular steel chassis, a significant 4.4 pounds has been lopped off the overall weight by the use of thicker diameter tubes with thinner walls, another factor that will increase chassis rigidity.

WP’s Semi-Active Technology (SAT) will again take care of the suspension duties, the system, housing variable modes for everything from general commuting to full-on track attack modes.

The usual Rain, Street, and Sport modes are found in the ECU, and you get the optional Track mode that allows you access to the nine-stage adjustable traction control and for the Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) and wheelie control to be switched off. There’s also a Performance mode, which is essentially Track mode for the street. This will allow you a more finite adjustment of throttle, traction and wheelie control response while letting you keep the usual function available in the KTM My Ride electronics suite, such as cruise control and navigation.

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke R EVO will be in dealer showrooms this month (December 2022) in orange and black and will set you back a pretty reasonable $20,399 for the base package.

---

About The Author